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Nicaragua Releases 135 Political Prisoners on Humanitarian Grounds

US secures the release of 135 Nicaraguan political prisoners

Following negotiations with the Nicaraguan government, the US successfully obtained the release of several political prisoners Thursday. The White House announced that Nicaragua had released 135 prisoners from jail on humanitarian grounds.

Reuters

The prisoners have been sent to Guatemala. From there they may travel to the US or other countries.

US News & World Report

Nicaraguan Pres. Daniel Ortega's government has since 2018 reportedly cracked down on its opposition and exiled many opposition members. The Nicaraguan government has also shut down over 5K NGOs, private universities, and civil society organizations. The government has detained priests and pastors, sometimes arresting them during Mass.

BBC News

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that it's unacceptable to imprison anyone for peacefully enjoying their basic rights of free expression, association, and religion. Among the released political prisoners were 13 individuals from Mountain Gateway, a religious charity in Texas, as well as Catholic laypeople, and students.

Los Angeles Times

The US State Department said the prisoners were released without Nicaragua receiving anything in return, and there's no change in US policy toward Ortega.

Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla leader who fought US-backed forces, regained power in 2007, was initially perceived as moderate. However, he has since abolished presidential term limits and consolidated power over all government institutions.

Yahoo! News

This was a diplomatic victory for the US. Ortega's arbitrary arrests and incarceration of members of the opposition and NGOs, and stripping dissidents of their nationality, must cease. No one should have to risk getting arrested for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights.

U.S. secures release of 135 Nicaraguan political prisoners

As long as the US continues to exercise its North American imperialism by meddling in Nicaragua's internal affairs, Nicaragua will do what it has to do to quell the forces that would do ill by its government. Nicaragua has a right to defend itself from those wishing to do it harm from inside or outside the country.

Nicaragua flies out 135 political prisoners to Guatemala

There' s 29% chance Nicaragua will experience a successful coup d'etat before Jan. 1, 2040, according to Metaculus prediction community.

Talks Between US, Nicaragua Lead to Prisoner Release

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Talks Between US, Nicaragua Lead to Prisoner Release

The Spin

Metaculus Prediction

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